Hogna carolinensis, commonly known as the Carolina wolf spider and giant wolf spider, is found across North America. It is the largest of the wolf spiders in North America, typically measuring at 18–20 mm for males and 22–35 mm for females.
Hogna carolinensis
Male caught in Des Moines, Iowa
Adult male (dorsal)
Female holding the egg sac
Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae. They are robust and agile hunters with excellent eyesight. They live mostly in solitude, hunt alone, and usually do not spin webs. Some are opportunistic hunters, pouncing upon prey as they find it or chasing it over short distances; others wait for passing prey in or near the mouth of a burrow.
Wolf spider
Eye configuration of a Hogna species
Dorsal aspect of Hogna lenta, a typical wolf spider
A female wolf spider carrying her young on her back